Prong/pinch collar... when is she old enough?

yoko

Yes, I have a puller. A pully, pully dog who pulls and pulls. Pully Pullerson.

Actually the past couple of weeks have been really good - she has mostly been wonderful on walks - usually ahead of me, but on a loose leash. A few times she settles in and walks right beside me, which is a pleasure. Then we go one day where someone makes the inevitable "Who's walking who??!!" comment. Ugh.

But when my husband walks her, or if I walk her with one of the kids with me, she turns into some kind of sled dog - pulling and pulling.

We currently are using a Lupi training harness (its a harness that tightens if she pulls). Sometimes she pulls, sometimes she doesn't.

We can't use her regular collar - she pulls to the point of choking herself. We tried a Martingale collar - same thing - choking.

We then tried the Halti - of course she hates having it on her snout, who wouldn't. But then after a few good days on the Halti she even started pulling with that!

Tonight we went out for a nice walk and I was so so frustrated. Its like she's gone backwards - she pulled worse than ever. I usually can stay calm and patient with her, but boy am I getting fed up.

I've read and read and before our walk I try to be super positive - even when we're walking I use lots of treats to acknowledge her 'good' walking. She's becoming a pro at "leave it" when we walk past squirrels, pigeons and garbage. She sits so nicely for me at every street corner. But every once in a while that pulling starts. I am wondering if when she'll be old enough to try out a Prong/Pinch collar.

Here's my questions:

1. Do you use a Prong/Pinch collar? If so, when did you start with your dog?

2. Did the pulling stop immediately?

3. Did you ever switch back to a regular collar or harness after your dog learned to stop pulling? Or do you have to stick with the Prong collar permanently?

4. Has your dog ever hurt itself with the Prong collar?

5. Do you ever regret using the Prong collar?

6. What tips do you have to use it sucessfully?

7. Any horror stories I should be aware of?

8. Anything else?

Thanks guys for the advice - its much appreciated.

sue & sled dog extraordinaire, yoko

kcolsey · Posted: Mon Sep 15, 2008 9:43 pm Post subject: puller

It sure sounds like you've tried almost every possible collar available and I can completely understand your frustration! I am guilty of experimenting with various collars and leashes to prevent feeling like a tug boat! I finally began using the prong collar on Gracie at around 8 months...that was after I tried a harness and the martingale collar. I used the prong collar for about 2 months with success; it definitely discouraged her from pulling. Now I am back to the martingale collar because she doesn't need the reminder as much. Besides that, my dog walker is not comfortable using the prong collar on Gracie, but will use the martingale because that is the collar she prefers. To be honest, Gracie never seemed to mind wearing the prong collar. I used it as a training tool only and it was effective. Gracie will be a year old next month and she is starting to understand that we are walking together, it is not a race! Laughing

BEANSnBERRY · Posted: Mon Sep 15, 2008 9:53 pm Post subject:

Try a sporn harness. I've heard nothing but AWESOME reviews about it. Apparently it makes it so the dog literally cannot pull, but it's not over their face like a halti.

BEANSnBERRY · Posted: Mon Sep 15, 2008 9:56 pm Post subject:

http://www.sporn.com/product_info.php?products_id=63 Found a link. I love what breed the dog is that the use as a model! Smile

It's must be a sign. Very Happy

samckinner · Posted: Mon Sep 15, 2008 10:02 pm Post subject:

PamK · Posted: Mon Sep 15, 2008 10:10 pm Post subject:

Derek was put on a prong collar at 4 months.

In the beginning he sometimes needed reminding but not after a while.

I haven't switched back because I mainly go off leash (over 95 % of the time he is off leash). The only times I have him on leash is when I also can't use a prong collar.

He has never been hurt on a prong collar. I've only heard of hairy labs getting hurt (the prong got caught on the hair)

No regrets.

Tug release, tug release.

No horror stories and I think you hit all of the questions.

versatilek9s · Posted: Mon Sep 15, 2008 10:17 pm Post subject:

peppernaei

I don't use prong collars (just not for me) but I do use the Gentle Leader. Like the harnesses these are just tools and they don't necessarily stop the puller. The dog needs to be taught to walk with you. It's a pet peeve of mine (my humble opinion) that many people are encouraged to use a prong collar and are not taught how to use it as a tool and how to wean their dog off of it. For me your dog is a bit too young for a prong but again that's just me.

Dogs can be hurt in all types of collars, harnesses and head collars. Sure there are horror stores about different tools but it's more about how the handler uses it than how dangerous it is. Just be sure someone can teach you how to use it properly.

Like I mentioned I have used the GL with many of my pullers and I have always weaned them off of it. Many of them didn't like it which made those times they needed reminders that much more effective. My dogs have both graduated to a plain collar and they aren't perfect but our standard everyday walks are pretty close. I am still working on high distractions and off leash heel with Marvin but I make a point to do a few minutes everyday in a busy area - like walking into the dog park or even in the park among the dogs. It takes time and patience but it's worth it.

Best of luck...

yoko · Posted: Tue Sep 16, 2008 9:13 am Post subject:

I totally agree that the collar or harness or whatever is just a tool...you still need to train your dog to walk properly.

I'm not happy with the puppy class we took because I knew right from the start that yoko was a puller, but the class only covered a few tips on loose leash walking. I've since signed up for another class that starts in a couple weeks. The trainer seems to focus first on walking which is exactly what I want. I guess I will at least wait til I start those classes before trying anything new.

Its so frustrating...I've been so happy with our walks lately and last night and this morning both ended up with a lot of pulling. Some jerk this morning was walking right behind me and kept snickering any time yoko pulled. She sits nice at the corners which is fantastic, but of course jumps out in front of me whenever I release her with "ok"...and he thought that was really funny. I wanted to turn around and give him a smack!

Yoko is my first dog so I am sure my instructions aren't perfect...but I am really trying...reading and talking to other dog owners.

I wonder about one on one training with a professional? Hmm...I guess if the new doggy school doesn't help maybe that's my next step?

I think I need counselling, lol.

Sue

PamK · Posted: Tue Sep 16, 2008 9:26 am Post subject:

Sometimes people just suck. LOL

maybe ask your vet for some recommendations or if you live near someone else on the board maybe they can come watch and offer suggestions.

weimdawgs · Posted: Tue Sep 16, 2008 9:37 am Post subject:

I have used a prong collar on all but Silkie. It has been like a miracle with Scout.

I use it with Jake and Gunnar when I walk them alone just because they are so big and Jake is extremely protective. But I can easily control him with a prong collar.

No regrets.
I don't use it every time.
They have never been injured.

kamfam · Posted: Tue Sep 16, 2008 10:00 am Post subject:

I

Prong Collars

Laughing

Although, I do have to say that my friend's Irish Setter pulls like a lunatic and hurts herself with the prong. The pinch doesn't phase her! As with everything else, all dogs are different and you just have to keep on trying until you find what works for you AND your dog!

Good luck.

krisnkaipo · Posted: Tue Sep 16, 2008 10:08 am Post subject:

Love the prong!

Try a search on the forum, there have been lots of discussion on prongs and some great tips.

iris · Posted: Tue Sep 16, 2008 10:33 am Post subject:

Check this out!
http://www.weimaraneraddict.com/discussion/walking-and-collar-ideas-new-owner-needs-advice-vt10944.html?highlight=plastic&start=15

We use the plastic pinch (i know it has a name i just can not remember it)

SirSilver · Posted: Tue Sep 16, 2008 11:09 am Post subject:

I just started Calvin on the Easy Walk harness. Miracle!! Previously, on a normal flat collar, he was gunning for "puller of the year" award. The harness really helps - he tries to pull but it's just not possible! He's just six months so I may have to switch to something else once he's full grown, but for now the Easy Walk is great.